Roots in Concrete

Appreciative for my time at Full Sail University

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:55:00 +0000

I believe that the capability to utilize what you learn is necessary to be successful in today’s cutthroat society. There is no end to learn. Each day creates an endless accumulation to my development in this forceful world. It is my pungent credence that your magazine will give me the additional analyses that are crucial for obtaining a profound imminent and well perceptive life. Therefore my reason for attending Full Sail University for my Masters of Science in Entertainment Business and Sports Management was to increase my unfulfilled learning and generate further accomplishments for myself in the future.

In March 2005, Derick Hackett, Southern University’s Director of Media Relations, was in dire need of a writer to accompany him to the men’s and women’s Southwestern Athletic Conference basketball tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. With few prospects for the task, Hackett targeted a sophomore general news reporter and occasional opinion columnist with absolutely no experience in covering sporting events. I agreed to go on a Monday; by Wednesday, I was courtside and expected to “watch the game, get some quotes, and have a story ready for the Internet in an hour.” Though I had no experience in sports journalism, I relentlessly pursued the knowledge and techniques fundamental to successful sports stories – the type of story that places the reader inside the field house and witnessing every play. I quickly found that my strong background in poetry enabled me to author engaging and artful leads and jumpstart my recap of the game. I was essentially thrown into an entirely foreign land but found a way to be successful by drawing from my strengths and aggressively – given the immediacy of my assignments – overcoming my weaknesses by accessing the wealth of veteran sports writers at the tournament. In five short days, I was able to catch on and honed my craft as a sports journalist. Furtively, I feel that Derick Hackett’s decision to push me into this foreign landscape served as a foray into what I see as my future career.

Five days in Birmingham not only created the makings of a driven and talented sports writer, it revealed to me the shocking reality of a male-dominated scene in the world of sports. The more games I sat along the sidelines, the more I saw ubiquitous rows of men at scorer’s tables across the country; therefore, my presence in the field not only felt natural but necessary. As an avid lifetime athlete, I already possessed an innate desire to be involved in the world of sports. I began researching opportunities for women, moreover black women, to make a direct and immediate impact in the larger movement to advance women in sports.

An ability that I have is my eagerness to learn. Any professor of mine can tell you that my determination to learn has no boundaries. My efforts and my strides to learn during my four year tenure at Southern were vocalized like none other. I always made known to my professors my eagerness to make nothing less than an “A” and I left no rock unturned as I fought for the best.

During my time at Full Sail, I have developed in myself a great sense of responsibility and self-belief. I realize the significance of being a part of a professional atmosphere in order to learn. I am fully aware that discovering undiscovered systems and courses would require self-criticism, self-assurance, and courage. However, challenge intrigues and inspires me to learn inimitable resolutions. The action of resolving hard problems not only gives an exceptional method of gaining information but also allows me to get an unfathomable feeling of dignity and contentment. I am a graduate now, and I appreciate this prestigious university for providing me with the tools to utilize my degree in the practical sense.

Media info for Digit Man

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:42:00 +0000

In a self-proclaimed distinctive style that's hard to classify; DIGIT MAN doesn't just

make music...he makes anthems. Big on word play; the cocky performer describes himself as

a hustler with a dark side and tenacity of Eminem, a melodic cadence reminiscent of Slick

Rick and southern charm and humor like Ludacris.

Born in Brooklyn as a mere mortal named Seven Hughes, DIGIT MAN (aka The

Monster) was birthed at the age of 3 with the banging of drums or on whatever he could get

his hands on. In middle school, DIGIT's first victims were his rap-loving classmates at

lunchroom tables; he sees his current audience as aliens, thinkers from beyond, builders,

bosses and dope boys, who identifies with more than force-fed trap music.

Even during a 3-year stint in the United States Marine Corp, while specializing in heavy

artillery and machine gun operation, DIGIT was developing an arsenal that would propel his

career in music. Upon discharge he migrated to the south to be among like-minded AT-aliens

to work as an Entertainment Consultant in 1999.

It was in Atlanta where he learned the game from inside out. He grew fangs honed in

on his craft, while building his brass, earning loyal fans from the UK to Germany and

Portugal. In 2011 DIGIT MAN was donned Best Unsigned Artist of the Year by the

international music awards, BEFFTA (Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion & Television

Awards). He works tirelessly with the Lisa Left Eye Lopes Foundation and Left Eye Music Fest,

and promotes other indie artists via his MonsterMusicRadio.com. Currently, he’s pushing his

newest single “Inside My Head”. This beautiful beast has been terrorizing stages across the

US as the headliner for the 2nd year in a row on the Summer of SUM Tour; the country's 1st

national all independent music tour.

-By Kee Hughes

Check out more of Digitman and his music at www.digitmanmusic.com

Q & A Interview with a Number (Digit the rapper interview))

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:50:00 +0000

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Digit what is your real name?

A: My real name is Seven Hughes.

Where are you from?

A: I'm originally from Brooklyn, NY

How did you come up with your name name?

A: A good friend of mine, who is a songwriter, nick-named me "Digit" a long time ago. So when I came out with the music, that's the name I chose.

What does your act consist of?

A: Me and a few other people who are a little "off".

How would you describe yourself someone who has never seen you perform before?

A: Insane. Lots of energy.

Thinking back to early childhood, what would you say was your first musical influence?

A: My musical influence came from my mom and pops. They used to play old school records all day and while we slept.

What song do you remember most as a child and why?

A: The Message from Grandmaster Flash. Because my life has been filled with a lot of ups and downs. So, I can identify with the lyrics.

As a child growing up what types of music was played around you? How or why does it differ to the music that you find yourself listening to today?

A: A lot of old school, like, Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass and Luther. I think because I was exposed to so many different kinds of music then, I listen to a large range of music now.

Do you remember the first song you wrote, rapped, or sang? What is recorded? How? Where did you get the music? How did it make you feel? Do you still have a copy of it today?

A: The first song I recorded was back in high school. It was recorded at a friend's house. I got the music from a Dj or producer. I felt good about it because I won a lot of competitions back then with that record.

How old were you when you decided that “music” was what you wanted to do? Why?

A: Four years ago is when I decided to pursue music as my career because YelaWolf's producer, Will Power, asked if I wanted to record a album. I think that did it.

After deciding that music was in your future how did you decide which “type” of music you were going to pursue?

A: I think I just make the music I hear. It’s not really about what "I" wanted, but "What" wanted to come out. Rapping allows me to let it all go and deliver it to a "people" who can appreciate what I'm saying.

What is it about your live performances that you feel captivates your fan base? How do you decide what changes are made for those in attendance who have either never seen you/your band perform live or those who have never heard your music?

A: It’s my energy. It’s just raw. I ain't up on the stage trying to be cool. I'm exposed and allow the crowd to see my emotion. I allow the energy to dictate what gets delivered and how.

Can you describe your music in 5 words?

A: Nothing you've ever heard before.

Can you give me some details about Digit?

A: From the time my eyes open to the time they go to sleep, I'm working. I'll outwork anyone who thinks their talent will get them where they want to go. From sun up till sun down, I'm hustling.

What talent contests, if any, have you entered? Did you place? Did you gain new fans? How did it make you feel? Is there anything that you would change about the performance? Would you do it again?

A: I've won a ton of contests. But, when I won a international music award in 2011, that separated me from the bullshit. It means that not only did someone from my hometown recognize what I can do, but from across them waters, too.

Do you write your own music?

A: Yeah. I write it all.

Most people write their music based on their surroundings, what they know or what they feel is “hot” at the moment…..what is your music written about?

A: My music is whatever I am feeling or whatever the beat is saying to me. I don't go into a writing session like, "I'm about to write some shit for my G's". I just let it happen.

What would you say has been your pivotal, or breakout moment? Do you think you have passed on any opportunities that would have heightened your career?

A: My breakout moment would have to be the Summer of SUM Tour. I headlined the tour two years in a row and met a lot of people who have been a help to my career.

Where would you like to see yourself within the next 5 years?

A: World tour, movies, commercials, sponsorships, endorsements, music awards and a Grammy.

Do you feel you have “creative control” of your music? Is that something you would change?

A: Yeah. I control it all. I'm working on what I would change, and that's, more collaborations with more artists.

To date what has been your biggest obstacle? How have you handled them?

A: For me its, internet promo for my records and shooting videos. Because I’m so busy, I don't have the time to really work on my projects like I used to. So, I have a team in different cities now, helping me.

Do you in anyway feel that the economy has contributed to the rise of internet sales/downloads as opposed to fans have purchased the actual cd?

A: Hell yeah. But moreso the technology than the economy. Back in the days, you could bootleg a project, but the only people that you could get it to, were the ones you could touch. Now, with the internet, people don't wanna pay for shit b/c they can get it free.

How have you promoted your music? Do you have any advice for the next generation of artists coming up that may one day look to you for guidance?

A: CDs, mp3s, internet, truck of the car, street teams, consignment stores... My advice is to know the game and play that shit. It ain't about "you" more than it is about networking and who you know.

There is always someone who has something negative to say about the music today, regardless of the genre. Are there any changes you feel would benefit the music industry as a whole in this day and age?

A: Hell yeah. If people would start telling the truth and exposing real life a lil more. Go back to when music didn't just move you, but it also had purpose. Now, every song on the radio is a party track. Everyday ain't a party for everybody.

How would you describe your fan base?

A: Diverse

Do you have a fan club or street team?

A: Yeah. I have a few.

What would you say are the most inspirational comments a fan has ever given you?

A: A fan from the UK told me once that I was their favorite rapper, period. Even over Lil Wayne and he worshipped Lil Wayne. Another fan told me that she played my mixtape 5 times in a row, back to back. That kinda shit makes you wanna keep going.

What positive advice would you have to offer to the youth in your community?

A: I've been about the community since I was a kid, because of how I grew up. I represent "Left Eye's" Non-profit and have helped a lot of people on this planet, man. I would say to get involved. You never know how it will effect your movement and fan base.

How does your family feel about the music you perform? Do they regularly attend shows? How has their support (or lack thereof) benefited (or hindered) your career?

A: My mom raised me as a G and a Gentleman, so the stuff I spit ain't foreign to either something I have already been through and experienced or that I am dealing with currently. So when I perform, its like I'm telling my story to a few new friends. My family respects what I do because of how I do it. They are behind me 100%.

From small hole in the wall bars to larger venues, what would you say on the art of promotion in drawing a crowd to a live performance?

A: Consistency and good music

What is the furthest you have ever traveled for a show? How receptive was the crowd of your performance?

A: Right now, Cali is the furthest I've traveled for a show and I've done it a few times in a few different cities in Cali. The West loves Digit. And Digit loves the West!

Does anyone else in your family have music talent?

A: Not in a "performing" kind of way. But, my grandfather was the first black DJ in Marrion and Dillon county, in SC. My pops is a published poet. So talents in the arts is evident.

Do you find yourself regularly listening to music who’s genre differs from yours?

A: Yeah. I listen to all kinds of shit man. I love music. But mostly, I listen to my own music, past and present.

What to you prefer to do when you are not “doing music”?

A: Having sex and making money. Not always in that order either.

What would be your “perfect vacation”?

A: Hawaii in the winter, 5 sexy girls, all the liquor I can drink, Hawaii's finest to smoke on, and a lot of sex on the beach.

What would you say is your inspiration in continuing your career/tours/live performances?

A: To have that perfect vacation whenever I want and how often I want to take it.

How would you compare your live performances to those of major label artists?

A: You can't compare it. Because me with their budgets, I would change the game, forever. I will.

What do you enjoy more, studio or live performances?

A: Can't compare the two. One without the other is like trying to get a chick pregnant without fucking. It’s the process and I enjoy the process.

How do you think your music influences your fans? Do you feel that they are getting the “message behind the music”?

A: My music makes my fans "feel" something. It makes them either want to change the world or say fuck it and just do their own thing. The message behind my music, is to "let the monster live". Everybody's got this mask on. Take that shit off and let your monster out!

What song do you enjoy performing the most and why?

A: Right now, it would have to be a toss up between, "Hi, I'm the Monster" or "Inside My head". They're both crazy and I get to just let loose.

At the end of the day do you think there are any changes that need to be made when it comes to yourself, your group/band, or your music? Why?

A: There is always room for improvement. Always!

With artists such as Techn9ne doing his own independent thing, in a perfect world would you rather continue independent or do you aspire to be major label signed?

A: I don't give a fuck about the "terminology" of things. As long as my fans are happy, my music is getting out to the places I want them too and as long as them zeros keep coming at the end of them checks, I could give a fuck weather or not I get signed. I never started this shit with that intent. I just want to make music and lots of fuckin money!

Everyone has that one fan who is more “ambitious” about meeting their favorite artists, have you ever found yourself in a situation that made the fan seem somewhat “stalker-ish”? How did you handle it? Do you now find yourself resistive when approached by fans?

A: I got a fan right now, who I think is my number 1 fan. He's a kid from Sunderland, England and he swears that he will be the first person to bring me over to the UK. Right now, he's working with a team of his friends to really set the shit up. He's the first person that I've ever signed a autograph for "on something". I sent him a signed t-shirt, cd and some other shit last year or two years ago, and he's been on it every since. Facebook, Twitter, he's there. It’s cool though. That’s what you do this shit for, right? To affect people?

What is the most embarrassing moment you have ever had on stage?

A: LOL. I dropped my mic once going across the stage. Oh, and another time, I forgot the lyrics to my own shit. I freestyled it and no one knew a thing though.

Are there any moments you “wish you could forget”?

A: My show in Oakland in 2012. Too much drama.

Given the opportunity who is the one artist you would like to work with, and why?

A: Kanye, Wayne, Jay, and Eminem. To me, they all posses something that I aspire for. Kanye is so crazy with his music. He's open to damn near anything. Wayne has outworked everyone in music and is a great business man. Jay-Z has stayed relevant for more almost 20 years. And what else can you say about Em?

Are you currently involved with any community organizations?

A: I'm a board director member for the Lisa Lopes Foundation, the non-profit organization of the great, late "Left Eye", formally of TLC.

What would you want to be remembered for the most by your fans?

A: My drive, energy, the difference of my music and my business sense.

What would you say you have yet to accomplish on your “bucket list”?

A: Make 144 million, own 3 Ferrari's, a Zonda and a yacht, a small manor, a Grammy, an Oscar... shit... I ain't thinkin about no bucket list.

I'm trying to live. So fuck all that.

How have you grown as an artist?

A: I don't make music that "I" want to hear anymore.

If you had not become an artist/band, where do you think you would be now?

A: I'm a businessman. I'm funny as shit. I'm talented more ways than 1. Whatever it would be that I had decided to do, I would be just as if not, more successful.

What can your fans expect from you in the future? New album/mixtape releases, shows, tours, upcoming news?

A: I just released my new project, "Where'd I Park My Spaceship, The Blackbox Recordings". You can download it FREE from http://digit.bandcamp.com/album/whered-i-park-my-spaceship-the-black-box-recordings. I'm working on a new album, that will be released next year. I'm going over to the UK to do that show in Sunderland. And I'm also working on a huge show in Hamburg, Germany. I'll be playing with a Classical Musician. Its gonna be stoopid.

Check out more of the rapper Digit’s music at http://www.digitmanmusic.com/

Experts Views on the Value Of Business Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:41:00 +0000

After researching on experts in the field, I intend to incorporate a lot of what I have learned from my Business Plan Development class in my business practices.

Through this class I have become more educationally aware of the importance of structure within business and the plans that make or break them when it comes to investors. I have learned a lot and will put these practices into my everyday business planning from now on.

After reviewing what business experts have to say, I have made a lot of changes to my business plan. Specifically, in the areas of financial budgeting. I have broke down specifically what I need and why I need it because investors need to know where they are putting their money and how it will gain successful returns, while doubling or more.

The sections of my business plan that I consider the most important are the Executive summary, Company Description, and Financial Budget sections. The reason I think this are as follows,

- The Executive section gives potential investors an idea of exactly where my company is, where I want to take it, and why my business objectives will be sufficiently productive. It will highlight the assets of my ultimate plan.

The Company Description section includes a brief report of when my business was formed, the founders, location, and sometimes the roles of potential employees. It will primarily focus on the character of my business and indicate a record of the specific target market I am trying to provide my services to. It will list particular, organizations, buyers, and/or businesses that will be interested in the company’s endeavors. As well as describe the competitive advantages that will make my company a success, for example, location, operations, and key personnel that my customers will benefit from.

- The Financial Budget sections give investors an idea of how and where their money will be spent. As well as how they will benefit from their investments.

With these important sections in mind I plan on utilizing what I have learned during my time at Full Sail University. Since I am new to business development, I will demonstrate in my business plan thorough market research and analysis. I intend to include information that will fulfill minority gaps within the creative artists industry. I will reach my target market by achieving clear and concise business practices which are suggested within my plans. I will propose to persuade the investor that I can be successful with my endeavors. The investors that read my plan will see a specific breakdown and address of my future plans.

Reference Links:

http://www.profitstars.com/Financial-Performance/ALM-Budgeting-And-Financial-Reporting/Pages/default.aspx

http://sbinformation.about.com/od/businessplans/a/How-To-Write-A-Company-Description.htm

www.score.org/resources/executive-summary-importance

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/important-business-budget-385.html

Experts Views on the Values in Business Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 03:53:00 +0000

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I chose to consider the values of business plans from experts Paul Heyworth and Alan Hughes.

Paul Heyworth is the Director of Business Development at Orivia Group Limited in the United Kingdom. This company provides assistance with Enterprise startup and growth, skills development, access to finance and commercial property rental. It also provides a strategic planning service, executive coaching and young peoples leadership development.

Initially, I chose to view Heyworth’s expertise on business plans after reading an article about him in Lancashire Business Review. In this article he explained, “The value of creating a business plan and how it will have many more uses beyond impressing potential investors.”

I am interested in Heyworth because he has competence in business areas such as management and development. His current and previous position as the Director of Business Development at Orivia Group Limited for nine years, and former Business Manager role of 32 years at Barclays Bank PLC is appealing to me. I too desire to become an expert of Business, therefore, Heyworth’s resume and business intellect attracts my interests.

From research, I have discovered, that Heyworth’s position as Director of Business Development at Orivia Group Limited (UK) is not one to be taken lightly. His present roles and techniques include but are not limited to intelligence gathering on customers and competitors, follow-up sales activity, assessments of target marketplaces and marketing prospects, generating leads for possible sales, formal proposal writing and business model design.

Heyworth mentioned some of the tasks of a Business developer to Zimbio.com. He said, “Business development involves evaluating a business and then realizing its full potential, using such tools as marketing, sales, information management and customer service. These tasks are carried out by business development managers. This is my role.”

In Lancashire Business View article entitled, “Expert view: do I need a business plan” it describes the business analysis of Heyworth. A pivotal quote he said in the article, “The importance of business planning cannot be overlooked even if your business is not seeking finance.” I agree with this statement because business plans are prepared for more than just financial matters.
Heyworth said, “A plan will help you to put your ambitions for the business down on paper so that you have a clear vision. Then you can monitor your progress.” Reading this quote was beneficial, I had never thought of business plans in that way. Primarily, I’ve been focused on the development of a plan for my business in regards to financial purposes. However, I’ve never questioned, ‘What would I need a business plan for if not for money?’.

Reading the article on Heyworth’s business plan strategies opened my eyes to a whole new realm of business. Heyworth stated, “Firstly, it is very useful to write one (A business plan) even if for nobody else’s benefit but your own. A business plan will help you make sense of a number of key factors.” My assumption is that this statement is factual. Because it is something I have witnessed during my business planning compositions.

Writing down my plans has given me the ability to discover answers to questions Heyworth presented, “Who am I and what are my skills and background? What is my product or service? Where is my target market and how will I reach them? Who is my competition? What are my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?” In addition he said, “A business plan must also include a breakdown of the financials. How much money do I need to survive (bills, food, mortgage)? How much are the running costs of this business (rent, stock, utilities, marketing)? What is my monthly income and expenditure likely to be?”

Alan Hughes is the second business expert I analyzed. I chose to review his expertise not only because we share the same last name, but because of his credibility. As the Multimedia Editorial Director for Black Enterprise, Hughes has interviewed and analyzed numerous businesses and their owners. Below Hughes’ Bio from Black Enterprise is indicated,
“In this role he is responsible for overseeing business, entrepreneurship and technology content for the brand’s print, online, broadcast and events platforms. An award-winning journalist with nearly a quarter century in the field, he’s a vital member of the editorial management team.”

Hughes also directs the editorial coverage of the BLACK ENTERPRISE June issue, which ranks America’s largest black-owned businesses and examines the growth and impact of those BE 100s companies each year. He also oversees content and provides direction for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo, the company’s flagship event that draws thousands of business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs annually. He also regularly spearheads all international business coverage pertaining – including opportunities and global trends.

A quote from Hughes that I enjoyed reading was stated in a Black Enterprise article, “Let’s face it, you’re in business because you want to make money and you want to do it your way. But whether you’re just starting out with your business, or you feel like you need to reassess the company’s goals and direction, there are strategic steps you can take to make sure you position yourself to make moves–smart ones. This is what a business plan is for.” I interpret this as Hughes’ way of saying to business folk, “Be flexible, yet never lose sight of your central goal.” People in business must consider adding flexibility to their business model, but must has a clear concise view of the primary goal and desired outcome for success.

From reading both experts analysis on the values of business plans, I can see that critical & key components that investors are looking for in a plan are analysis of business full potential, marketing, sales, information management, customer service, and projected financial loss and gain. These factors would be considered key investors want an outline of a businesses projected development and the techniques that will be utilized to assure economic enterprise growth. Investors want to know that their investments will profit their finances, so a business plan is essential for financial sponsorship.

The value of a business plan goes outside a written document with the archetypal substance: vision, purpose, sale and marketing plans, operation models and cash flow projections. The actual worth is in the development the business goes through to get the plan. The analysis, evaluation, and measurement of the core workings of the business that result in the plan is the physical appeal. Anyone can have a document called a “business plan” but successful businesses understand that the “plan” must be frequently examined and changed to reflect the strategy of the business.

References:

http://www.beinkandescent.com/tips-for-entrepreneurs/205/muhammad-yunus-tips-for-entrepreneurs

http://www.blackenterprise.com/author/Alan/

http://www.blackenterprise.com/sbu/experts/

http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/news-details.htm?news_id=212

uk.linkedin.com/pub/paul-heyworth/19/74b/a61

http://www.zimbio.com/Business+Development+Analysts/articles/6/Responsibilities+Business+Development+Manager

Los Rakas Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 05:23:00 +0000

I first met Los Rakas, the Hip-Hop/Reggae/Reggaeton/Dancehall/Spanish music duo comprised of Panamanian cousins Raka Rich + Raka Dun, on the streets of San Francisco, CA in 2009. I was walking from a club late one night, and these girls came up with a Los Rakas promotional flier. I asked these girls, “Are they good?” The girls said, “Yes. They are so good and watch in a few years they’ll be even better.”

Less than a minute later I saw these two beautiful young men trailing around the corner with fliers in their hands. I assumed, this was the Los Rakas that the girls were promoting. Both of the guys have gorgeous skin, hair, and a stylish taste in attire. One is the color of delicious milk chocolate and the other is caramel candy complexion. They both exude radiance, especially when they smile. I knew that once a shook their hand and heard them speak, that their personality and passion was genuinely perfect. Even though I had never heard their music, the way they carried themselves made me want to buy a CD right away but it wasn’t out yet. But since our first encounter I have been a fan.

It’s 2012 now and it’s been three years since a met Los Rakas. I have seen them grow from boys to men. They started off as a duo underneath the radar, now they’re rising stars whom everyone is starting to take notice of.

From the instant they take the stage, it is obvious why Los Rakas are creating a buzz worthy name for themselves. They are changing the dynamics of the hiphop scene by fusing blends of reggaeton, reggae, dancehall, Spanish to their music within each and every set. Their energy is high and their lyrics are captivating. Their multi-dimensional music presence has allowed them to create and be a part of a league of their own which is appealing to everyone. Their Spanish and English infused lyrics give them an advantage, and opens up their consumer audience even more.

What I have personally observed is that though their status has changed, and they’ve become more popular…their personality and passion for their music and people have not change. They continue to represent Panama byway of Oakland, CA and are proud Black Latinos. They are continuously promoting positively energized vibes and music within each and every song they create. Los Rakas is definitely a duo to listen to and keep watch on because they are headed beyond the stars.

Los Rakas Music site: http://www.losrakas.bandzoogle.com/fr_aboutus.cfm

Check out Los Rakas Music Videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/LosRakasPanaBay

Oblivion of The Seshen

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:10:00 +0000

The greatest thing about music is that you can create your own sound, and make it your own. You can transform it, revolutionize it, and change the world with your musical vibrations. For a few months, I’ve been obsessed with Bay- Area based band, The Seshen, and their self-titled album. They not only redefine gender roles, but their union ultimately defies assumed race relations, as their melodic tunes ultimately destroy the norms of intellectual awareness. They carefully compose verses and choruses to be sung over sweet compositions which their union creates.

Their debut video “Oblivion” is an obvious interpretation of societal reform within the presence of today. The video is a blend of eye-catching illustrations, along with conscious lyrics that awaken the mind to a different perception. What makes the audiovisual very much so appealing is that, each of the 7 band members has their shining moment. There is no seclusion upon band mates; it is as if they consider themselves teammates whom work together to shape music into their view of perfection.

Lalin St. Juste’s delicate vocals are the highlight of the song. She sings effortlessly, yet powerfully amongst heavy guitar strings, drums, and piano keys. Her voice is that of an unearthly being, such as an angel, who sings carols that advise people of what is to come.

Below is a their debut video, Oblivion. The band started a Kick-starter fundraiser in order to fund the video. The video is of high quality and sound. It really does capture and define the essence this group exudes. It flawlessly encapsulates the song's pitch while enhancing another diverse creative coating to it. I always have to play this video more than once and the beginning lyrics are always in my head…

“The first few words I cant get out of my head

“There will come a day
when the lullabies in your landslide
will begin to give way
to a darker place
Will you stay or will go into oblivion?”

Check it out for yourself.

The spirit of The Seshen is that of humbleness, gratitude, adoration, and rebellion. I expect them to continuously thirst for knowledge as they flourish and grow in wisdom. Their album is a sincere allegiance to all beings to be encouraged, acknowledge their higher selves, and be happy for feeling. Their harmony comes with inimitable barefaced alarms going off through song. I enjoyed listening to their debut album, The Seshen, and look forward to the whole world knowing of this bands innate talent. Because their lyrics and melodies are historical artifacts hidden within songs sung by hidden stars ready to shine.

Running a Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 22:02:00 +0000

As a student-athlete it is sometimes hard not to become tiresome from the many strains of trying to control academia and athleticism.

But these two Clark Atlanta University (CAU) athletes have discovered a way to make it capable to equalize the pressure of class, practice, and games, while still being able have a successful relationship with their partners.

Aaron Abraham, a senior education major from Los Angeles, CA and distance runner for CAU’s team track and field team, and Amanda Eillis , a junior psychology major from New York, New York and distance runner for the Lady Panthers cross country team, share a mutual love for running, furthermore, they have love for each other.

Abraham and Eillis said they have been dating for two years. They met during Spring 2010 at a mutual friend’s house party. They were attracted to each other instantly and have been close ever since.

"I met at Amanda at one of our mutual friends house in the spring of 2010. ” said Abraham. "We flirted and talked with each other, but I didn’t know that we’d end up being more than friends. However, I was shocked when we ended up talking to each other everyday since that night. Now we’re two years down the line and we still enjoy talking to each other like the first time we were introduced.”

Eillis said she had to go to NYC for the summer but she and Abraham often conversed over the phone or flew across the states to see each other. They traveled a long ways from home just to be together considering, Abraham is from Los Angeles and Eillis is from NYC.

During that first summer together the couple began to acknowledge the fact that they weren’t interested in anyone else but each other. After a few months of “Getting to know each other” the couple said they realized they did not want to be with anyone else, and soon after formally became boyfriend and girlfriend.

"We kept in touch when we separated during summer break and hopped on those long flights to see each other,” said Eillis. “We weren’t seeing anyone when we first met, and after we met we only saw each other.”

"We’re both serious athletes and students, so over the summer break we decided to be seriously committed to each other,” she said.

The primary aspect that brought the couple together was running and other mutual interests.

Abraham said he has always had an attraction to women in sports. Therefore the fact that Eillis is not only an athlete, but a distance runner like himself turned him on to her even more.

"The fact Amanda is a runner made me attracted to her even more,” said Abraham. “I have always wanted to be with an athletic woman but never have. I think I scored big time because I not only got a sporty woman but a distance runner like myself.”

Eillis said that Abraham’s athleticism attracted her to him also.

"I was attracted to him not only because he is an honest person like myself but he’s an athlete too,” Eillis said. “I’m mostly into wearing athletic wear and he appreciates that unlike most men who want a girlie girl in a dress and heels.”

Eillis said she likes that she and Abraham are both involved in running because he can relate to her challenges as a runner.

" I enjoy the fact that we can both discuss the trials and tribulations we go through on and off the field. Being a runner is no joke, especially a long distance runner. Usually no one knows what a runner goes through unless he or she is really involved with the sport. He doesn’t have to try to assume r figure out what I am talking about because he knows from first hand experience,” she said.

In spite of the difficulties in being a student and an athlete, Eillis said her relationship with Abraham is the best she has every experienced. In past relationships she had to explain everything, but because she and Abraham share common interests and experience, their relationship runs smoothly.

"I’ve been involved with men who didn’t know the first thing about being a student athlete,” said Eillis. “Sports and school have been my life since I was a little girl. The pressure has now elevated because I am have to perform a certain way to keep my athletic scholarship and pay for school. Aaron understands this completely because he is an athlete himself. So I don’t have to have to spend useless amounts of time explaining myself about the pressures that come with being a student and an athlete. He just automatically knows how it is and understands me completely. There’s no hassle with him like there was with others.”

Abraham agrees with Eillis.

"I don’t have to explain anything to Amanda," he said. "She already knows what I am going through and I already know what she is going through when it comes to academia and athletics. We also come from parallel upbringings so we appreciate each other more.”

Abraham said he likes Eillis just the way she is, but what he loves about her the most is that she has an honest character.

Abraham said that he can see how cross-country can take a toll on her, but he tries to add extra positivity to help her ease her strains.

"Running long distance can wear me out, especially during the hot Atlanta sun. they don’t call it Hotlanta for no reason and running in the sun daily for miles and miles on end is a killer,” said Eillis.

“Sometimes I take my frustrations out on him when I have a horrible day, but he doesn’t really pay much attention to it because we’re both in the same boat. His positive attitude puts my soul at ease,” said Eillis.

Abraham said he and Eillis' participation sports does not hurt their relationship because they understand each other and most of their practices and games are around the same time and days.

"I think track and field season last a little longer than her cross-country seasonbut not that much longer," Abraham said. "Regardless, we have something special because we have good communication and understanding.”

Eillis said when her and Abraham’s seasons start, they have to balance their time with each other.

".We just have to balance our time between school, practice and games,” said Eillis. “Good thing we’re used to balance being that we have been student-athletes for most of our lives so it all works out.”

Abraham said he loves the way that Eillis keeps the demands of her everyday life stable, while managing to keep a big smile on his face.

"I've been juggling school and running since I was five years old,” said Eillis. “So I am a veteran when it comes to balance. Academics and athletics go hand and hand in my world and I don’t think that I’ll ever separate them. However, I will always take the time to make my man happy.”

Eillis said of Abraham, " He has been through so much in his life and is going through a lot now. But he makes me laugh everyday even during the lowest times. He is a keeper in my book.”

Abraham and Eillis both have a grade point average of over 3.0. The couple seem to both be amazing people whom have learned to balance their cards right while loving and supporting each other with their academic and athletic endeavors.

Soccer Runs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 02:11:00 +0000

When it comes soccer, sometimes having a good kick isn’t enough to be great player. You have to know how to do it all, such as combine techniques from other sports into your plays on the field, like knowing how to run without end.

That’s exactly what Cadiz, Kentucky, Trigg County High School, LaNita Ephriam, a senior Los Angeles, CA native does. She runs and never stops until she reaches her goal, and even then she keeps going.

“It’s hard to get people to acknowledge that soccer is more that just kicking the ball mindlessly,” Hughes said. “We do a lot out there than just dribble… we run our butts off for 90 minutes or more nonstop.”

Ephriam is currently a 2012 All-State High School Gold Medalist in the 400m dash, 4 x 400m relay, 200m dash, 8 x 200m relay, and holds silver titles in High Jump. She also is a well traveled and All-State Soccer gold medalist.

Though soccer is her favorite sport, track and field set the foundation for her high achievements in the game.

“Track and field definitely made me a better soccer player,” Ephriam said. “I am glad that I have build up my endurance and strength through running. Now that I have my running rhythm covered, I can concentrate on developing and mastering my skills and techniques with the soccer ball.”

Ephriam said that she knew that being good at track and field would give her an advantage when playing other sports.

“If you know how to run really fast, especially for long periods of time… you can easily learn how to kick, dribble, throw, and catch, etc , at the same time,” said Ephriam. “ I’ve received a lot of medals in volleyball, basketball, tennis, and soccer because of my track and field background. I know that being able to run fast, has given me an advantage. “

Ephriam’s mother, Patrice Ephraim, is a former collegiate track runner put her in track and field when she was two years old, and since then she has been running.

Ephriam said, “ Even though practices are long and hard, I am glad that my mom put me in track and field first. She always told me that, ‘Building up your endurance as an athlete is key.’ I’ve never forgotten that. So each day, I make sure that my endurance is up and then practice on specific techniques, depending on what sport I am playing.

Ephraim is currently a heptathlete, which means she is involved in seven events for her high school’s track team.

"My events are, the 100m dash, 200m dash, long jump, high jump, 400m dash, 4x400m relay, 8x200m relay,” she said.

However, soccer is her number on sport of choice.

Ephriam said, “ I love, appreciate, and try to play all sports. That’s why soccer is my number one sport. The game mixes techniques from various sports such as, basketball, football, and running. Though track and field is my foundation, I definitely want to play soccer in college. However, both sports have taught me patience, endurance, strength, teamwork, and how to remain humble. These traits I will hold for the rest of my life”

Fellow teammates believe Ephriam is a strong leader whose immense athletic capabilities are always forceful.

Ephriam’s soccer teammate Jennifer Langston said, "Her great athletic abilities always show on the soccer field. She never stops running until we score."

"She always leads by example through her hard work and success," said Daniel Jennings, a Trigg County High School track teammate”

“She is an amazing athlete,” said Ephriam’s former track and field coach, Cathy Wilkerson. “In comparison to most athletes, she is on a whole other level, and will continue to go higher.”

"LaNita is the strongest athlete that I know," said Ephriam former soccer Richard Johnson. “The older she gets, the more her skills are defined. She will be a force to be reckoned with when she gets into NCAA play for college.”

Ephriam currently holds a 3.6 GPA, runs the 400m dash in 58 secs and is an up and coming sought after “Sweeper” in the sport of soccer.

Despite her love for sports, Ephriam acknowledges being a student athlete can be very demanding.

"It is really hard to be a student and an athlete," Ephriam said. "It's not as hard for me now because I’m in high school but I’m sure it will be very hard when I’m in college. I’m sure there will be some point when all of my college buddies will be partying while I’m in my dorm room studying and preparing for a game. “

"Early in the mornings I wake up and run. Then I go to school. After school I go to track and/or soccer practice. Then I come home, eat dinner, do homework, and go to sleep to do it all over again in the morning.” she said.” "There are times when I want just to pass out because of the hard workout that I went through."

Ephriam is, 17yrs old. is in her senior year of high school and is currently being recruited by various universities. She knows that she wants to attend an out-of-state college, but her family cannot afford the expenses to pay for her to do so. Therefore she has to get a scholarship to attend.

“I wasn’t birthed into riches,” said Ephriam. “However, my mother gave me the tools to succeed. She told me to keep my grades up and put me on a track told me to run…”

“Though we don’t have the money for out-of-state schools,” she said. “I have the grades, strength, and determination to pave my own way. I plan on getting a scholarship for my academics and/or athleticism. Come what may… I am ready to make my mark in this world.”

Ephriam graduates from high school May 2013.

issue of bloggers wanting press credentials for sporting events.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 03:53:00 +0000

The least trusted sports media seem to be independent bloggers. When it comes to obtaining a press pass they are usually rejected. The most trust is earned by traditional media outlets such as local radio, newspapers, and TV stations and national sports newspapers and magazines. The following trusted media outlets normally gain press passes and access for their journalists and photographers. Bloggers associated with credible companies such as ESPN.com, Sport Blog, LA Times Sport blog and so on earn less trust as well, but gain more trust than the independent ones.

Independent bloggers tend to be on the lower end of the scale when it comes to trust in media coverage, because sports organizers like to control what is published about their events. Since corporations tend to own stadiums and teams, they want to make sure that what is media said is up to par. They do not like to be seen in a negative light, and like to control the copyright aspect of the coverage. A lot of independent bloggers tend to seem to have added their bias opinions. According to Dereck Hacket, former Sports Media specialist as Southern University and A & M College, “Independent bloggers want advance their careers by gaining media access, and they tend to stop at nothing to do so. However, they are least trusted because they tend to be there for themselves and not the game. They tend to add an extra flair that isn’t necessary in sports coverage. A lot of them add bias opinions, when in sports you’re just supposed to be covering the facts. And even if a blogger is covering the facts, they are still not trusted, because sometimes the facts do not make the sports organizations or the players look good.”

As a formal college sports journalist during my undergrad, I was taught that sports journalist cover the facts. However, this was during a time when social media was not as popular. Now social media is a popular concept and shapes the way that the media is viewed. A lot of the new-age journalists tend to forget to analyze the game accurately, and leave out their opinions. However, in the world of blogging, opinions are open to write about. However, if an independent blogger want’s access to specific events, I believe that they should follow the traditional writing style of traditional media which is to cover the facts only.

Hacket said, “If a Blogger wants to cover a sporting event and add their own opinion, then they need to buy a ticket and sit in the bleachers like everyone else. Most of them are just fans anyway who want free access into the game.”

There is no way of accurately knowing why a blogger wants to gain a press pass into a sporting event. I am sure that a lot of them attend, just because they are fans who want an up and close view of the game. This is exactly why they are the least trusted and do not gain access.
I am guilty myself, of being a secret fan of certain teams, and sometimes desire a way to enter in a game free of charge. As a former active sports blogger, I would meet so many journalists that were covering sporting events just because they were fans. I personally believe whether or not they are a fan, journalists should be covering the events accurately whether than adding their extra opinions.
According to a blog that I recently read Bizofbaseball.com, “Many independent bloggers, such as MLBTradeRumors.com and Yahoo! Sports, have upward of two million pages views daily and represent some of the Internet's heaviest traffic, yet they rank far behind traditional media on trust and are the most likely group to be rejected (29 percent) for a press pass vs. traditional media (8 percent).”

Press passes should have restrictions and should not be freely given to just any bloggers. Sports owners, love media coverage, but they want to have it according to their standards. If a blogger cannot comply to specific rules and standards that traditional follow then they should not be in attendance. Or the bloggers should just pay for their own ticket.

References:

Derek Hacket Former Southern University and A & M College Sports Media Specialist

http://anthonymcfadden01.blogspot.com/2010/05/media-rights-broadcasting-and-press.html

http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp?id=108

http://wizbangblog.com/content/2008/03/15/access-to-pro-sporting-events-for-sports-bloggers.php

http://scottkelby.com/2009/shooting-indy-report/

http://armchairgm.wikia.com/Bloggers_and_Media_Credentials

Biggest Sports Business Conflict in the last 5 years: 2011 NBA Lockout

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 02:45:00 +0000

In my opinion, the biggest sports business conflict in the last 5 years is the 2011 NBA Lockout. It was the fourth lockout in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The lockout began on July 2011, and lasted for 161-days. It postponed the beginning of the regular 2011-12 season, from November 1 to December 25, and decreased the regular season to 66 games from the original 82.

There were circumstances separating the owners and the players, represented by the NBA. While the lockout was going on, teams could not sign contact players, sign contracts, or trade players. Nor was there access to staff, trainers, or NBA facilities.

The fundamental conflict of the NBA lockout was money. Stephen Greyser, instructor of The Business of Sports said in an interview with Harvard Extension Blog, “It’s a $4 billion plus business, and the biggest issue is how to divide basketball related revenue. “

As the primary matter of the NBA lockout was how to divide revenue, there was another issue of the hard versus soft salary caps. The NBA has a soft salary cap, in comparison to the NFL and NHL hich have hard, with barely no exceptions. . However, they do have the Larry Bird exception, which has some exceptions, yet allows teams to go over the salary cap to sign and re-sign their own players. However some, “NBA teams also pay the ‘luxury tax’ based on total payroll,” Greyser said.
This luxury tax is an additional expanse of another area of argument. However, it does not put player against the owners, yet owners versus owners. “If a team really wants to pay a lot for players and go over the cap it pays a tax,” said Greyser.
An article by Nancy N posted in Harvard Extension Blog stated, “The Lakers pay $110 million, including the luxury tax, while Sacramento only has a total payroll of $45 million. The owners purport that this is not a matter for the players, but if the luxury tax on the highest payroll was a stiffer tax then it would tend to keep the payroll from escalating.”
On September 13^th, 2011, the union and owners met again to negotiate but the negotiation did not work out. The main source of disagreement regarding the salary cap, remained. The union wanted to continue with the structure of soft caps. However, the owners disagreed and demanded to formulate a hard cap for the team payroll. The players were willing to reduce their salary in exchange for the owners cooperation with the salary cap. However, the owners were reluctant to accept. They believed that they had the most control in negotiation of NBA matters, and refused to give leverage to the players.

On November 26th, 2011, a provisional deal was met . Afterwards, owners let players have unpaid workouts at team sites on December 1. On December 8^th, 2011 the deal was approved. Free agency, trades, and trainings camps started the next day.

I think that this is a big sports issue because the owners didn’t seem to think of everyone’s involvement as a whole. And because of their initial lack of cooperation to give the players leverage within rights to salary caps, let to a hold up is season. The lockout not only affected the owners and players, but all the staff that come into play when running the NBA and it’s games. Everyone suffered in some shape or form, the custodians, referees, snack bar employees, media, sponsors, and fans alike.
The NBA lockout put a halt to many productions and salary going into the pockets of the producers. However, when the issues were resolved, the staff whom kept up with the maintenance was back up and running.

References
http://bostonglobe.com/business/2011/11/11/broadcasters-scramble-cope-with-nba-lockout/3VcgB0EZXc6ljaoNr7DTcP/story.html

http://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2011/11/nba-lockout-dilemma-the-lockout-valid-debate-or-stubbornness

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/12/08/labor-deal.ap/index.html#

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nba-bitter-lockout-ends-lebron-james-kevin-durant-finals-article-1.1097006

The Cost in a Name

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 02:41:00 +0000

Nearly two years ago, in August, China saw the budding athletic ability in New York Knicks NBA starter, Jeremy Lin. A sports ball maker in eastern China registered his name trademark for $710 a year and a half ago.

The trademark is now an issue because Jeremy Lin would like to have the rights to his own name.

However, Chinese laws grant favor to whomever registers the trademark first, which in this case was China. Lin, 23, rose to fame this year after sitting on the bench to starting for the Knicks.

The ball maker company, Wuxi Risheng Sports Utility Co, registered his name as trademark. It also obtained the trademark of variations of his name,"Lin Shuhao (in Chinese characters) Jeremy S.H.L. (initials of Lin's Chinese name)", according to the website of the trademark office of China's State Administration of Industry and Commerce.

In August all Trademark rights were approved to the ball making company for $710 USD. However, this causes discrepancies for Lin, because he signed a three-year contract in 2010 with Nike whom would like to profit off of his name.

Considering the fact that China has different laws from the U.S. which give the trademark, “Jeremy Lin” ownership to Risheng, I recommend that Lin take it as a loss. In China the first to register gets the rights, and can use the trademark or not. In America we must have a valid reason as to why we want to trademark something. There are two different govern laws going on. In China, the trademark “Jeremy Lin” should be in the possession of Risheng because their legal representative believed in Lin’s potential obviously before anyone else thought to trademark it. Risheng legal representative, Yu Minijie said, “Lin caught her eye when she saw him playing on Chinese television in 2010.”

"I'm a Harvard fan ... I like him very much. He gave me a lot of surprises and inspiration," Yu told Reuters.

However, in review of other articles, it was revealed that she would sell the trademark, “Jeremy Lin” for a reasonable offer. But as of now no one has offered her anything.

Lin did however, win ownership of trademark “Linsanity.” As many as 12 other applicants applied for trademark of the name as well. People were waiting to see what ruling the judge would make regarding. The judge decided that Lin should be the one profiting from his own fame and granted him the trademark, Linsanity. This trademark currently is a part of the Nike contract and shoes and sports clothing line is attached to it.

Though Lin doesn’t have rights to his own name in China til 2021, he still is well off for a 23yr old, Harvard Economics graduate. He is currently on a $800,000 a yr term with the Knicks and has endorsement deals. It was stated by Reuters that he is worth well off 15 million dollars. I think that he should let China keep the trademark and continue on with his newly famed success as a superstar.

References

http://gothamist.com/2012/02/18/linsanity_law_jeremy_lin_applies_to.php

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-05-25/jeremy-lin-linsanity-trademark-new-york-knicks-carmelo-anthony

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/27/jeremy-lin-trademark-scooped-chinese-company_n_1303271.html

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-05-25/jeremy-lin-linsanity-trademark-new-york-knicks-carmelo-anthony

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/6/2/3059549/jeremy-lin-trademark-linsanity-copyright-patent

THE NBA LOCKOUT: Biggest Sports Story of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:49:00 +0000

I believe that the NBA lockout was the biggest sports story of 2011. No one expected the lockout to last from July 1^st, 2011 through Christmas Day but it did. At the time, owners and players just didn’t seem to find a middle ground for the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. For those whom aren’t fully in the know of what the lockout was over, it was mainly focused on who would get the larger portion of the league’s income. However, I am sure that there was more to fuss over on both ends. The owners simply wanted to obtain the majority of the funds, but for once the players took a stand and weren’t having it.

Like most NBA fans, I was shocked that it took so long to reach a mutual gain. I assumed that the owners would take into consideration the fact that the players are the ones risking their bodies and health daily by playing on the court. However, it was a constant battle and it looked like it would never end.

Similar to all of the Occupy Events going on throughout the world, it seemed as if NBA players were in an Occupation stance of their own, with the demands of being justly paid for their performance according to their terms. Initially, neither the owners nor players would budge on their terms. Due to the fact that neither side would move, this caused the NBA season to be anticipated by many fans.

In October the first two weeks of the season were cancelled and the revenue of the owners and players suffered. Yet with fans from around the world waiting on the edge of their seats for the season to begin, the two sides finally came to a mutual gain agreement on Thanksgiving 2011.

I think that this was the biggest sports story of 2011, because the NBA is a big money making industry. Everyone knows of the game of basketball. Even if they do not know the rules of the game, the majority of people, especially Americans know of at least one famous basketball player. NBA owners, players, and fans suffered alike because everyone wants the thrill of the game to continue. However, no one really knew if there would ne a 2011-2012 season because of the lockout. It seemed as if there wasn’t going to be one because of the stubbornness of both parties. Yet in the end negotiations became solid deals, and each party found a mutual gain to satisfy the needs of everyone. As an NBA fan, I am overjoyed, and definitely am tuning into the league more than ever this year.

Two references that agree that the NBA Lockout was one of the biggest sports stories of 2011 are,

The Atlantic: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/12/the-10-biggest-sports-stories-of-2011/249466/#slide2

The Business Insider: http://articles.businessinsider.com/keyword/nba-lockout

From Her Eyes- A Mara Hruby EP Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Mara Hruby in the Oakland Hills. Photo Credit: Melinda James

Creativity is described as exuding inexorable gifts, incomparable foresight, and a declaration so captivating, that it is praiseworthy of applause. However, Mara Hruby is a glowing illustration of so much more than that, and her work deserves an early on standing ovation. The 23 year old Northern California, Oakland native is not only making her mark as a creative songstress, but is adding distinctive musical guitar and piano compositions, alongside a moniker look to her idiosyncratic sound. She is a soulstress whom shows us the beauty and artistry of rhythm, sound, and class through her eyes.

Hruby’s seven-track EP, From Her Eyes has been noticed worldwide. She shows the onlookers and listeners that age is nothing but a number, and wisdom can exude in creative class, style, and music.

One of the most fascinating characteristics of Hruby’s voice and style is that there appears to be an audacious affect of the 1950s intertwined into them. What’s even more stimulating is that she is only 23 yrs old, and exudes the wisdom and grace of a true old- fashioned artist…simply divine.

In an interview with About Her Films Founder and Director of Hruby’s “Character” video, Melinda James, Hruby was asked to explain her sound: “My sound/style comes from what I have experienced in life. I feel my sound is organic, distinct, melodic, eclectic, and filled with sensitivity. To say the least, I’d call my music a melodic melting pot.”

Presently she is practicing recording “covers” of familiarly known music by beloved male artists. In her seven-track EP, From Her Eyes she adds her female renditions to male originated songs. The album signifies her perception, signature style, and how these songs can be captivated creatively from the eyes of a woman. She describes these perception through the songs which radiate from her lips. She she stated that, “Each song is linked to recollections of her youth.”

James whom happens to be a personal friend of mine, captured the essence and divinity of Hruby’s stylistic voice and fashion in her tribute to the beautiful elegance of Van Hunt’s song, “Character.” This video was also debuted in Essence Magazine at Essence.com . James said, “ I had the pleasure of shooting a music video with Mara Hruby for her rendition of ‘Character.’ This is one of my favorite music videos to date. I was able to set a mood and aesthetic that I think is representative of Mara’s style and persona. I feel really honored that the video was able to debut on Essence.com. Keep an eye on Mara – she has a great future ahead of her.”

I’ve personally had the pleasure of listening to her seven-track EP, From Her Eyes. It is a hypnotic dose of female artistry and perception of how male-dominated songs should be rendered through the female entity. She sings with poise and grace. Listeners will be astounded to hear how her music innately exudes throughout her being and enters the heart of all whom listens. She is definitely a classic creative artist on the rise that should not be ignored.

Listen and Enjoy her seven-track EP, From Her Eyes here: http://marahruby.bandcamp.com/album/from-her-eyes

Check out her website: http://marahruby.com/page/10

Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Marahruby22/videos

View other works by Film Director Melinda James: http://aboutherfilms.com/2011/10/mara-hruby-character/

Check out her song music video in ode to Van Hunt’s “Character”, directed by About Her Films founder, Melinda James below.

A Woman's Work

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 03:42:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of interviewing up and coming painter/visual artist Corinna Nicole Brewer. Here is what she had to say to some of the questions I asked her about her work.

Self Portrait painted by Corinna Nicole Brewer

Corinna Nicole is a visual artist currently residing in Oakland, California. Corinna was born in 1985 in Germany, where she grew up for 8 years. She later moved to Alabama, living there for 16 years before moving to California. She has a Bachelor's in Art from the University of Montevallo, in Montevallo, Alabama and received her Master's in Fine Arts in the Practice of Art from UC Berkeley in May 2011.

Primarily a painter, but interested in other media, Corinna's work often deals with identity and desire, whether it is about the dynamics between herself and others, her desire for women, her bi-racial heritage or her interests in female masculinities.

Where do you do your work?

I have a studio in Richmond, CA, provided by UC Berkeley at which I do my oil paintings, but I often do smaller, less toxic work in my bed. Unfortunately, I will no longer have my studio after July, so after that I'll be doing all of my work in my bedroom.

Do you work from life, or from photographs or from imagination?

I almost always work from photograph. To be honest, working purely from imagination is not a strong point for me and usually results in scribbles that end up in the trash.

What moves you most in life, either to inspire or upset you?

The people in my life and the communities I'm a part of inspire me. Much of my work deals with the queer community because that is what I'm surrounded by and interested in. I also recently started "stalking" my friends facebook profiles for kiss pictures of which I do ink/watercolor drawings.

Do any of your paintings have a deeper meaning?

Most of my work is made with the intention of making the viewer think about, reflect on, acknowledge or struggle with some idea. My most recent large scale paintings, for example appropriated classical images of the objectified female nude, which I then recreated by employing images of powerful, strong Masculine of Center women who reject the male gaze. The paintings demand that the viewer re-assess how women should be viewed and acknowledge that they may not necessarily fit the stereotypical category of "feminine."

Do you express different feelings when painting or do you just paint for the sake of painting?

Usually I create art to express a feeling, because my goal is for the viewer to spend time with my work, rather than just glance at it and take it for a "beautiful painting." I want the viewer to feel something, to feel compelled to stay with it and have my art stay with them even after they are no longer looking at it. But sometimes, I need a break from that and will make art just for the sake of making it - art that is more lighthearted and about being visually pleasing.

Do you work certain hours each day or only when you are inspired to work?

Unless I'm on a tight deadline, I try to only create when I'm in the mood to. I find that forcing myself to make art only results in works that I do not like. Sometimes I'll only go to the studio once a week, sometimes I'll be in bed and suddenly get the urge to draw at 2am.

Out of all the career choices, do you think your career choice was a good one?

Although I didn't know that I wanted to be an artist until my sophomore year of undergrad, I strongly believe I was born to do this. I am not interested in anything else. Art is the only career I can see myself pursuing and being passionate about.

What do you enjoy about art?

I enjoy that art is about connecting. I appreciate the fact that not every work of art speaks to me, meaning that when I do find a work that I am interested in, I'm meant to spend time with it for a reason. I enjoy that anything can be argued to be art, if presented in the right context. Art creates dialogue and is meant to document the world we live in, as well as the things we can not see. I enjoy that art expresses more than words are capable of.

What is the role of the artist in society?

The role of the artist is to show things people normally might now see.

What is the place of your work in society?

I'm still figuring that out. I'm relatively new to the art world and I'm still trying to find my niche.

What technique do you use?

Whatever technique is right for the particular work of art.

Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed?

The way the painting is executed is important in how the subject matter is expressed once the work of art is completed. But in the end, people will be more focused on the subject matter than the technique. I think most people have no idea what we as artists go through to create a work of art and they probably never will unless they spend a day in the studio with us. So I suppose I am more concerned with the subject matter of my art.

How do u feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?

The process of making art can often be objective for me, even though the content of the work is very subjective. I tend to zone into the strokes of my paintbrush, how the colors are blending, etc, rather than paint with an emotion. On the other hand, when I do my kiss drawings, an on-going project of fun, quirky images of people kissing, I often catch myself smiling as I am drawing because I enjoy the quirkiness of them and get pleasure out of the expressions I put on paper.

Do you see yourself changing the face of art, like for example Michelangelo?

I hope that my art will bring more light to and give a voice to queer people of color. But I think I have a long road ahead of me.

Is it more difficult to market your work as a Black female in the art industry?

Statistically, yes, that is a fact. If you're not a European, white male, your place in the art world is undoubtedly more difficult. I find that being an artist is difficult all in all. It requires not only that you make art, but that you spend just as much time marketing yourself, putting yourself out there. It can be exhausting. I do think that because my work often deals with subject matter that is very specific to the queer community, it is more difficult for me to find venues to exhibit my art. As horrible as it may sound, lately I've been trying to create art that may be more accessible to a larger, broader audience.

Where do you see yourself as an artist in the next 5yrs?

Hopefully in my studio making art, having my art widely exhibited, and be represented by a few galleries.

What makes you different from other artists or painters?

I don't think I have an answer for that one. Art is such a non-typical path...every artist finds their own way. I would, however, say that while art making is a huge part of my life, I look most forward to becoming a mother. I think having a child is the one thing that is more important to me than art.

View Corinna Nicole's Artwork at http://corinna-nicole.com/home.html

Negotiating Interview with Kivoli Thomas of On Wax Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:43:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kivoli Thomas, the Publisher, Founder, and Editor-in-Chief of Onwaxmagazine.com. On Wax Magazine is an online music magazine that covers a broad range of up and coming as well as seasoned celebrity artists. I asked her a few questions regarding negotiation deals for artists interviews.

What would you recommend a future Entertainment Negotiator to do in regards to negotiating deals and contracts?

1. Do your homework- Don’t assume anything when you are negotiating. Do your homework and find out everything you need to know. Fill in as many gaps to questions as you can beforehand.

2. Be Informative- Make sure that you provide as much information to help the artist understand as to why you want them to take the time to sign an interview contract. Make him/her feel appreciated, as if you are honored for them taking the time to negotiate the deals of the agreement.

3. Get An Opinion- In order to get what you want out of a negotiation you must make the other person feel as if they have a say so. Artists are sensitive, so they need to have some type of input in their interview process regarding music analysis. Assure the artist that you are looking after his or her best interest.

4. Exude positive Vibes. Make the artists feel important. Like you need them more than they need you, but in a sense you both really can benefit from each other. Like I said, artists are sensitive. My magazine is all about interviewing the artist in a positive light and getting to know his or her success story. Make the artist feel like the interview is going to benefit them as being seen as a positive role model in today's entertainment industry. Sn. Questions that ask for someone’s opinion not only provide knowledge, but also indicate that you are interested in what that person has to say.

5. Come to An Agreement- Not all artists will agree to be interviewed but if you are a good negotiator, once that initial negotiation happens, most will accept your offer. You have to make sure that there is always some type of middle ground met for both you and the artist. How can you both benefit from the artist interview? Once that agreement is sealed, do not go back on your negotiating terms. If all goes as planned, the artist may just put in a good word for you and more people will be interested in your magazine and articles. Regardless, keep things respectful and negotiated to the best of your ability.

Reference: Onwaxmagazine.com

About Her Films (Aboutherfims.com) Review,

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:55:00 +0000

Film is only one form of media communication that is powerful both aesthetically and in what it can do to affect people’s emotions, and value systems.

Director/Cinematogher/Editor, Melinda James has captured various mediums to help connect humanity with female perspectives through the usage of film with her company, About Her Films. James' website Aboutherfilms.com is creatively ingenious.

James said, “About Her Films was created to give voice to, and tell authentic stories about, women and their experiences.”

When I viewed Aboutherfilms.com, I saw that James has put the female viewpoint and analysis on fim through the way she captures the essence of the female embodiment.

In psychoanalysis the “mirror phase” is a vital stage in human development. The mirror phase, when one recognizes their reflection, is crucial for the foundation of the ego. The recognition of one’s self is joyous in that he/she imagines his/her mirror image to be more perfect and more complete than his/her own body.

On Aboutherfilms.com James shows that media is similar to the mirror phase. The audience identifies with the images on the screen and becomes them, however, knowing they are not. What they see on screen is something more perfect. This is why image representation is so important in society. It gives identity to us as a people.

How can we possibly become the society we could truly be, without an imperative shift in image representation of the people that make up America.

James said, “It is time we represent all of America in image, not just the white, male-dominated, straight culture. If we did, we could come closer to identifying to one another as humans, seeing our similarities and not continuing to have a lost identity. “

I had the pleasure of meeting James during her humble beginnings as a Director/Cinematogher/Editor. She was new to film, however, her mind's eye-view while creating and capturing beautiful imageries of women gave her the ability to create a space for women to be seen. She especially highlights the beautiful and creative female talents in the Bay Area of California. Music videos were not her expertise initailly, however, as she continued to grow within her documentary film Masters program at UC Santa Cruz she was afforded with the opportunity to bring up and coming music female music artists to light through film.

Though James has only been working with film for two years, she has received a lot of press as an up and coming filmmaker. Here are what some of the companies have described regarding her cinematography,

“Fact: I have a special place in my heart for Melinda James, whom many know as the genius behind AboutHerFilms. There is a certain air of authenticity, quality, and aesthetic beauty in her filmmaking that is second to none. As such, it was a pleasure to see that the newest visual from the elegant songstress Mara Hruby was directed by this phenomenal woman.” – frndofthepeople

“We featured a Melinda James original here before. Somewhere last year we introduced her as an aspiring movie maker and posted ‘A moment with Afta 1.’ If you take the time to run through Melinda James’s visual resume on her Vimeo channel, About Her Films, … you might notice that ‘aspiring’ can be left out of the introduction nowadays.” – Strange Fruit

“Maybe I wasn’t held enough as a baby but I love this video. The director does an amazing job of capturing a series of physical interactions between two women to convey sensuality that flirts with sexuality but never quite crosses over into the vulgar realm.” – Guff of VeniceLiquor.com
“And capping it off with that do-nothing-but-roll-around-in-bed-with-your-lover vibe is director, Melinda James, who captured the song perfectly in the above video.” – Andrew Martin of PrefixMag.com

“…and the way everything was shot amazed me.” – Gianni Lee of Babylon Cartel

“Moreover, I’m extremely amazed by the video in so many ways. Without any dialogue, it told a story. Colors were beautiful. Shout out to Melinda James.” – Mac.Mich

“This piece of lovely cinematography is courtesy of Melinda James working under the About Her Films imprint. Screw that ‘unofficial’ sh*t though. TOKi might need to holla @ Melinda for some work in the future.” – Trees for Breakfast

“The home girl Melinda James brings art to her films. Leave the fluff and fizzle what you’re seeing here is real.” – Sasha Kelley of C-Proof

“Bay area based filmmaker Melinda James a.k.a. About Her Films is making serious moves that you may just wanna follow.” – Jacqueline of MADE Jewelry

One of her biggest accomplishment with her company About Her Films is the video she did with rising soulful songtress, Mara Hruby last year. This video had an article featured on it in Essence magazine.

James said, “I never thought that I would be receiving such accoladaes in such an early stage of my career. However, I am thankful that people appreciate my appreciation for the feamle entity.”

Aboutherfilms.com subtly brings natural identification to communities of women underrepresented in multimedia. James creates and produces aesthetically stunning and realistic work, while using various forms of communication as a political weapon to give a unifying reflection of society today.

Check the video CHARACTER sung by Mara Hruby and directed by About Her Films founder, Melinda James below.

Africa Rises with ARISE magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Africa Rises with ARISE magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:55:00 +0000

ARISE Magazine December 2010 (First Issue)

Last January (2011), I stumbled across the first issue of ARISE magazine in a Barnes & Nobles Bookstore. Four stunning African women shared one space on the cover of the magazine. Each represented a different shade of Africa. This magazine is exquisitely packaged and presented like Cosmopolitan, except it is vibrantly full of color because of the hues of Africa on each page.

ARISE is Africa’s first and leading universal style magazine. It highlights and recognizes the African presence in fashion, art, music, literature, and politics. Each page is picturesque and gives the reader an explicit interpretation through vivid visuals, literary analysis and personal opinion. This magazine unveils beautiful creations designed by people of African descent. It forces its readers to recognize the importance and huge impact of African culture within creative industries.

The print-version of the magazine is filled with vital and voguish shades of Black Beauties. One is forced to acknowledge Africa outside of the commercialized poverty the media publicizes. It sheds light and gives us, the readers, an in-depth look on the talent which comes not only from the varied origins of Africa, but People of Color from all over the world.

ARISE enlightens, exudes, and motivates people of all walks of life, but primarily those of African descent, to rise and take in equal measure for their presence in art. “ARISE breakdowns, educational and journalistic limitations with its combination of outspoken news and interview coverage while showcasing a superfluity styled story sense told through photojournalism. ARISE has created a new category of culture trend interface. It provides the public access to a world that would more than likely be hidden in the shadows.

The website, http://www.arisemagazine.net provides ARISE with a social outlet to reach a vast audience interested in the unique culture of Africa. The site is plain and simple, with highlights of creative of color.

It is sectioned off in NEWS, FASHION & BEAUTY, ARTS & CULTURE, MUSIC, POLITICS, BLOGS, ARISEtv, and MAGAZINE (articles) categories. The users will find resources to people and places outside of the norm of magazine fashion. Each discovery is unique and worth the exploration.

Overall the production team stated on http://www.arisemagazine.net, “ARISE targets a discerning, Afropolitan readership who share an interest in the cultural and social developments coming out of the continent. The magazine’s mix of fashion, music, sport, film, art and politics appeals to young, educated and affluent readers who demand to be the first to know about what’s hot and what’s important in Africa and around the world. ARISE attracts a 60:40 female/male audience.”

The ARISE community is filled with inventive artists of African origins, whom eagerly wait for their turn to to reveal their essence in everyday style. ARISE magazine uses their fierce creativity to resourcefully produce imaginations into creative images showcased living in color via web and print. The producers provide the people with presentations of Africa, like never seen before. As ARISE continues to highlight the beautiful diversity within the color of darkness… Africa RISEs and is no longer invisible to creative industries.

Tiana's Tiny Mark is a Huge Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:01:00 +0000

LETS GET PERSONAL: EXPRESS YOURSELF

Full Name: Tiana Lee

Nickname: Passion Tee
Age: 20
Month & Day born: January 7
Hometown: Berkeley , Ca
Number of Siblings: 2

Status: Single
Number of children & gender: 0

1. Who raised you or whom did you grow up with? My Mother
2. When did you realize that modeling was your passion? 2005 when I did my very first shoot.

3. How long have you been in the modeling industry? 5 years
4. Name 2 other models that influence your career? Chanel Iman & AzMarie
5. Name 2 other people that influence your life? My Mother and my Auntie
6. Who is the first model or fashion designer you fell in love with? Why? Eva Pigford because she's not super tall but her killer walk proved that even shorter girls can walk too
7. When did your big break occur? How? 2007 when I walked into an agency and got signed
8. What was your first modeling gig? A hair show for Paul Mitchell

9. What is your biggest modeling achievement/accomplishment? When? After every fashion show, I feel like i accomplished something. Also a recent event myself and my team put together ,Resistance Through the Arts. It consisted of a networking mixer, fashion show, performances & a party.
10. Where do you get inspiration? Thinking about my future and also hearing the positive compliments from everyone
11. If you didn't make it in modeling what would you do? Probably become a Make Up artist
12. What was your occupation before getting into the modeling industry? Receptionist & Childcare Provider

13. How do you stay focused and motivated? I love what I do so staying focused and motivated come natural

14. When and where was your first paid performance/show? San Jose, Ca the Paul Mitchell hair show

15. How much did you get from your first paid performance/show? $250

16. Do you have supportive family/friends? yes

17. What is your most embarrassing moment? In middle school I was chasing my friend because he took my phone and when I was running through the hallway and my friend tripped me and I flew in the air & fell

18. Did you ever have hard times? When? How did you manage? A few months ago, but I think of everything as a test , and I don't like to fail so I keep pushing.

19. Currently, what are the top three albums on your play list? Chris brown- graffiti, Drake- Sincerly Yours, Wiz Khalifa- kush and orange juice

20. What are your future goals and what projects are you currently working on? Putting together my own shows, and making my mark in the industry.

A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS

Food? Thai Food
Color? Grey / Pink
Ice Cream? Cake batter
Vacation Get Away? London
Vehicle? BMW
State (besides your home)? New York
Hotel? Hilton
Clothing & Sneaker? Anything that looks good! And I'm more into heels , not sneakers
Movie? Wanted
Actor/Actresses? Angelina Jolie

MODELOGY „³ LIST YOUR MODELING GIGS
- Paul Mitchell hair show (2)
- Passion for fashion (2)
- APAture runway show
- West coast carribean fashion show (2)
- What's you see galore show
- Look From London Fashion Show
- Resistance Through the Arts Fashion Show

& many more..

a number of music videos, short films, and extra work

COLLABS „³ LIST FASHION DESIGNERS OR MODELS YOU HAVE WORKED WITH OR DESIRE TO WORK WITH

- Eva Pigford

- Chanel Iman

- Az Marie

- Tyra Banks

- Janice Dickinson

- Victoria Secret

Honestly I'd work with anyone thats made their mark, or in the process of making their mark, just like myself.

There are a few Bay Area designers , photographers & models that I've worked with that have major talent should be recognized:

Cecilia Aragon - Punky Couture, Ca Couture, Punky Kids - www.ceciliaaragon.com

Kyra Lumpkin - Bedlam Accessories - www.welcome2bedlam.com

Az Marie - www.facebook.com/AzMarie

Aris Jerome - www.Aris-Jerome.com

Redell Frazier - www.facebook.com/photofittness

Desiring Ashlee

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 02:57:00 +0000

Simply Desire

Craving for Entreat…In Request for Longing…Yearning to Implore…In Need for Aspiration. These are just a few definitions of the word Desire... well before Ashlee that is.

Southern California native and up and coming model, Ashlee Desire, not only has a sultry last name, but she has everyone doing exactly what it means...wanting to know more.

Her ingenuous striking hazel hinted with specks of green eyes shine radiantly and passionately with a desirable strength that stems from the humbleness embedded within her soul. Her brown freckles splash across her mellow-yellow sun tainted skin, creating a trail to the beauty encircling her entire being.

Everything about her is melodiously commensurable from her the top of her head to the tip of her toes, her beauty shows.

However, it’s those eyes that catches people, and makes them stop to and try to look at more than just a pretty face. Those luminous rays of light that amalgamate and bring people back to the first time they saw a sunrise. As she walks amongst the crowd taking a few short glances, she leaves them yearning for more than just a picture.

With mystifying smoothness, her mesmeric individuality and lively nature, will pull you in like a dog chasing after a bone, and once you get that bone you’ll never want to give it back.

Not The Girl Next Door

Yet it was not always like this for the 19 year old, 5-foot-9, 125-pound. exquisite young woman whom one day will more than likely be “America’s Next Top Model,” just without the reality show and Tyra Banks. In her adolescent years people didn’t even see her as “the girl next door,” because they did not even notice her at all.

“In high school I was an outcast,” said Desire. “I walked around with my face stuck in books, such as Omar Tyree, Sistah Souljah, and Zane. I hardly had any friends”

Desire said that high school was a difficult period in her life, because there was hardly anyone there to support her.

“No one had my back when I was in high school,” Desire said solemnly. “I guess people thought that I was ugly and didn’t want to hang out with me. I didn’t even have a boyfriend in high school.”

Ashlee=Desire

But little did she know that two years after high school graduation, her magnetism and appeal would draw people in and light up her fair melodic face like an optical illusion of water in the Sahara desert.

“Now that I’m out of high school, people are always complimenting me,” said Desire still in awe. “But I don’t let it get to my head because I still think about my high school days when I was the ugly duckling. I don’t want to have an arrogant attitude, because I don’t want to lose what I have.”

It was always a dream of Desire to be a model, but the initial lack of support from her family deterred her away from it.

“I realized that modeling was my passion when I was 12 years old,” said Desire. “I heard about a casting in Las Vegas at Circus Circus. It was a casting for Model Search America, and me and my big sister went and both got picked by agencies. But I had very little support with my endeavor because my family thought that I could never do it.”

No one believed that Desire’s dream would come true. But at the age of 17 years old her dream slowly started to become a reality. And her modeling passion began to materialize before her.

“My First modeling gig was when I was 17,” said Desire eagerly. ”It was this one designer who was getting ready for Fashion Week in downtown Los Angeles. I was walking with my mother and saw him sewing his dress in the window of his shop, so I stopped and asked him if he ‘needed any models for L.A .Fashion Week.’ He looked at me and said that he loved my look and answered ‘Yes. Perfect.’”

In just one fashion show during the L.A. Fashion Week Desire’s boldness was shown, because even though she had little experience, she was able to walk the runway like a seasoned veteran. And the metamorphosis of herself and the way others began to look at her fascinated her.

“I’m bold,” said Desire. “But it’s the way that I’ve always had to be because no one seemed interested to help me during the tough times.And back then my only modeling experience was from watching my favorite model Omahyra Mota on television, and practicing walking like her in front of my mom’s mirror at the house. You have to be bold in modeling.”

A Lil Bit Bout Ashlee

Desire regularly reads motivational books like Sistah Souljah’s “The Coldest Winter Ever.” She loves all types of music such as jazz, hip-hop, soul, R & B, underground music.

“I don’t like propaganda literature or music,” Desire said . “I’m definitely not into this music talking about getting money, girls, and sex… I like an artist to tell me about their life…”

One of favorite models like mentioned earlier, Omahyra Mota.

She said fiercely, “Omahyra Mota Gracia, I admire her for every movie she has made in the Industry, from tearing down the Runway with her unique physique, to her amazing power to hold and keep the attention of every eye staring at the runway to holding down her home Dominican Republic... and to setting fire to the movie screens in X-man 3.”

The young woman wears a Nike dog tag on her neck to remind her of her motto, “Just do it.”

“When I’m feeling weary about something, I tell myself, ‘Just do it,’ because I sometimes you have to be bold and do things that you wouldn’t normally do,” said Desire focusedly.

NYC is Where it’s at Baby

In regards to “Just do(ing) it,” Desire just moved to New York last month from Los Angeles with hopes to better her modeling career.

“I moved to New York because there are more modeling opportunities out here,” said Desire. “People out here are great in terms of fashion and everywhere I go I get a contact. There are times when I miss L.A. because I’m still getting use to being out here, but I just had to do it.”

Influentials

The most influential people in her life are her best friend Tiffaney Thompson and mother.

With emotion in her voice Desire said, “My dear friend Tiffany Thompson has been a practical therapist, my shoulder to lean on, my diary, my motivational speaker and someone I’ve trusted with everything I behold.”

“My mother showed me the strength within myself to be an individual and how to not be a follower, but a leader.”

2years Strong

In two short years Desire has worked with nearly one hundred fashion designers, in multiple fashion shoots and designer showcases. A few of the companies and fashion shows that she has worked with are Sterling Williams, Karl Kani, Ed hardy & Christian Audigier, Lady Dutch, FRANCO+RUSSE, and Von Dutch, etc.

Desire’s hopeful ambitions are to gain more achievements in the modeling industry and keep a sense of modesty.

My future goals are to prosper more and more and more in this modeling industry,” said Desire with pride. “Because every time I step on a runway or have a photo shoot, I see it as an accomplishment, because a model’s not guaranteed another show, that’s why I most of all I want to maintain my humbleness.”

Mix ‘N’ Match and Victorians

She does not have a distinct style, but if it were up to Desire she’d wear Victorian dresses for the rest of her life.

“My look is not defined because I change my style everyday,” said Desire with a corky laugh. “I mix and match and match and mix, I grab things out of my closet and put them together and it looks good,” as Desire laughs out loud she says, “Honestly this is my dream, if it were up to me I’d wear Renaissance gowns everyday for the rest of my life…,” she pauses, and added seriously, “Oh and with a corset, like the Victorians did. I love those dresses.”

D for Desired

The now highly “Desired” woman rids away the primordial labels of the spoiled, egocentric, irrational, disastrously characteristics of a model. She is unlike other models who think of themselves as delicate creatures whose self-awareness walks hand in hand with their appearance and are reluctant and vulnerably not capable of seeing life aside from their small binoculars.

She said that financial support is the key to having even the slightest of a chance in the modeling scene, she didn’t have that much, but she had more than others.

“It’s hard because if a person lives with their mother, they can model if they have financial support,” said Desire But if they live on their own and do not have financial stability it is very difficult. I lived with my grandparents, but My Mother still is a hard working woman with a lot of love for me.”

In comparison to other many models, Desire is enticing and a multifaceted mélange of visions, ambitions, a multifarious substantial woman attached with numerous talents that will only manifest from thorough verbalization.

People Gotta Know

“I want people to know that I’m generous, kind, crazy, cool, and funny,” said Desire. “And that I don’t mind the negative nor the positive, because I don’t let anybody judge who I am. Because it’s my choice and I am who I am…”

No more just being the girl that no one notices during the strange adolescent years, Desire is full of vivacity, intellect, and sweetness that makes her a role model to younger aspiring models.

“I don’t see a person’s age, status, or appearance,” said Desire. “I sincerely believe that anyone can do anything despite so-called incapability because to me they don’t exist.”

Mirror Image

In spite of increasing recognition and an overload of compliments, when Desire wakes up each morning she still sees what she’s always seen, and that’s herself.

“When I look in the mirror in the morning I see swollen lips and tiresome eyes,” said Desire in an upbeat laughing out loud tone of voice.

Sincerely she said , “But most of all I see Ashlee, a woman who’s had hard times but is here and alive. It’s like I’m meeting myself and noticing who I am each day and I’m alive!”

Michael Moore visits Occpuy Oakland

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:44:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending Michael Moore when he addressed Occupy Oakland. It was a pivotal speech to the people of Occupy. As you can see from the link of the speech posted. His address offered a struggle for hope, nonetheless, successfully achieved with endurance.

A lot of people do not see the Occupy Movement as a topic of industry entertainment. However, I beg to differ. The Occupy Movement has captured the focus of people from around globe, each are tuning in. Countries have gathered in protest, with hopes to obtain a better world and system of value. Whether people are occupying are not, the majority knows of the movement.

Michael Moore said, “The majority of Americans are Liberals. The majority believe in the freedom of speech, womens rights, and wealth for all.” However, most people remain silent because they are comfortably stagnant in, “What is VS. What is to come.” People become use to certain lifestyles to where it’s hard for them to give them up whether satisfied or unsatisfied with the situation. Yet movers and shakers like the people of Occupy, beg to let the 1 % whom lavish in their perfect life, trample over the 99 % whom have become stagnant. Which brings me to industry factors, the Occupy Movement has Occupied the world of entertainment and will continue to do so. The world is tuning in to why the people of Occupy refuse to be silence.

Occupy is a display of why the majority should not be dominated over by the minority. Which to Occupy are the 1% of people who control the 99% money. I was interested in hearing Moore speak, because he is not only speaking from the intellect of a well versed researcher but because he can convey his analytics in a way that everyone can understand. Moore said, “We are all Scott Olsen.” Scott Olsen is the Marine who did two tours in Iraq and was critically injured in an Oakland Police Raid of the Occupy Movement.

Moore stated, “We are all Scott Olsen and we will not let our brothers get treated like that from the Bankers.” When he said this, I realized that no matter who or where we come from, we are all the same. Each of us are in search of something better than we know. Some of us are afraid to go out and obtain the unachieveable. However, if we understand that we are all the same, we realize that we are no longer alone. When the feeling of loneliness disappear, the fear of speech is exchanged for each person’s right to FREEDOM of SPEECH.

The industry becomes unified and everyone is able to voice an opinion. Moore said of the Occupy Movement, “This movement has killed apathy.” People have come from watching the dramas of television. They are tuned in to themselves and what is going on around. The Revolution may not be televise

Publish Post

d but Occupy will be seen live.

Bedlam Accessories is not for the Weakhearted

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Bedlam Accessories catches the eyes, they are like moonstruck moonshines mixed with exquisiteness, rebellion, and mayhem sure to get you intoxicated once you see them. CEO and Founder Kyra Kouture finds her creative inspiration in deconstruction.

“I honestly pull inspiration from deconstruction, from rusted nails in the wall to a tattered garment,” said Kouture. “I play with the shapes and silhouettes and make into something fabulous and edgy.”

I recently had the pleasure to interview Kouture, and this is what she had to say of her booming baby business Bedlam.

How did you come up with the name?

I needed a name that embodied, Noise, Uproar, and Chaos but still maintained and awkward beauty. I was brainstorming with a good friend of mine and we came across Bedlam, which literally mean the place of noise and uproar. It was also the nickname a beautifully constructed mental asylum in the 1300's...so it just was perfect!

Who are your business partners? Tell us about them and how you all came together.

Brittany T. Hall is my creative partner; Brittany and I attended the same high school and recently got reconnected when she got married in April.

What accessories are offered?

Custom eye wear, earrings, shoulder pads, bow ties, rings, bracelets...etc. anything that falls under the category of accessories.

Who is the first fashion designer you fell in love with? Why?

Christian Dior. He was the first I have ever seen to bring the curves to fashion. He had an idea of his dream woman and it was evident in his work. He took me places in my imagination that no one had before. To me, he epitomized the beautiful chaos of the feminine form, who could you not love that.

How do you stay focused and motivated?

My motivation is my son, as cliche as it sounds, when he grows up I want him to be proud of me.

Do you ever have hard times with Bedlam Business? How do you manage?

Oh yes. Everyday is a constant struggle. When you are just getting started in the business you are sacrificing so much and taking so many risks and most days with no return. It is easy to sit back and wonder if you are doing the right thing... it is so easy to give up. I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about it once or twice. It is always a test of how much you are willing to go through for your dream.

What motivates you to keep going even when you face adversity? What makes Bedlam Accessories different from other accessory companies?

I guess what keeps me going is that I am not caught up on being popular or famous. I genuinely want to give people fabulous things. I want to give people an avenue to be themselves... something that promotes their own unique swagger. I want to push home the fact that it is okay to be different. Bedlam is different because I put my soul into it... every piece I make has a piece of my heart in it. Bedlam is bold and fearless. Bedlam is the ability to break through the trends... I am done setting trends... now its time to be free.

How can people find and purchase accessories?
Shoot over to, www.welcome2bedlam.com

What are your future plans for Bedlam?

I want Bedlam to be a household name but a luxurious one. I also am strongly considering doing shoe embellishment.

Add any additional info you'd like about yourself?

I am blown away by the thought of having fans. I am not the "Have fans" type. I love people... genuinely. When someone tells me they are a fan I make it a point to talk to them at least once a day through some sort of avenue. Bedlam is my baby, so its so personal for me when people say that they love Bedlam...I want them to feel that...always.

It was a pleasure to meet and discuss Bedlam Accessories with it's CEO and Founder, Kyra Kouture. I'm sure that the world will be seeing her and her accessories more often.

These chaotic accessories bring a new type of fashion to the surface, the type that presents dysfunctional beauty at it’s finest.

Check out www.welcome2bedlam.com. You won't be disappointed.

An Entertainment Editor (Newspaper Project Manager) says, "Goodbye"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:07:00 +0000

Sometimes the only way a person's voice can be heard is when he or she picks up a paper and pen, and starts writing.

That's precisely what the Southern DIGEST's Entertainment Editor (Newspaper Project Manager), Alfred "A.J." Griffith does, he uses his pen as a tool for his voice to be heard.

The Harvey, La. native said he has been fascinated with writing since he was a young child.

"When I was younger I used to write plays," Griffith said. "I loved writing and telling stories."

After graduating from John Ehret High School in Marrero in 1994, Griffith said he decided not to go to college, but work full time.

"I flipped burgers for about a year at McDonald's," he said. "College didn't interest me at the time."

However, in 1995, after a year of flipping burgers at McDonald's, he decided to join the Navy.

"I needed a change of scenery," Griffith said. "So I joined the Navy. I became an aircraft director on an aircraft carrier, and I was stationed in California and Japan."

Despite the fact that the consuming demands of the Navy entailed with his position of guiding planes on and off the board of ships, Griffith said he never stopped writing.

"When I was in Japan all I did was write," he said. "I wrote about everything. I stayed up many nights just writing letters. I wrote down what I thought and what I saw. I just couldn't stop writing."

After completing his four-year tenure in the Navy, Griffith said he returned to Louisiana and began working in a local fitness club. There he met a variety of people, mostly business people who would come in to workout during their lunch break.

"There I met a lot of people," he said. "A lot of professionals would be there during their power lunch break."

"Numerously, I would see a man dressed up in nice business suits, and I liked his style," Griffith said. "I always wondered what type of business he was involved with, so one day I decided to ask him. He told me that he was a writer for the Times-Picayune. His job interested me because I was interested in writing."

Unsatisfied with his position at the fitness club, Griffith said he enrolled into Southern University during the spring of 2001.

"I had heard a lot of good things about Southern from some friends of mine," Griffith said. "So I decided to apply."

A few weeks after attending Southern, Griffith stumbled upon a Southern DIGEST, and his attention was caught on the advertisement for the newspaper's need of staff writers.

"One day I picked up a Digest and saw that they needed some writers," Griffith said. "I was interested in writing so I filled out an application. A few days later I received a call that I had been hired so I came in and started writing in the fall of 2001."

Griffith joined the Digest staff as a general news writer. Even though he had been writing for several years before joining the university news publication, he did not have the experience of writing news. Not only did he not have familiarity of the newsroom, he did not have the knowledge of how to use a computer.

"When I first walked into the Digest, I didn't know how to write a general news story," he said. "I didn't know how to email or search the web, because I didn't even know how to use a computer. I just knew how to type."

Griffith said his first news story was published in the Digest on September 7 and was entitled, "SU students react to Aaliyah tragedy." The article discussed the feelings students on campus had about the tragic death of Aaliyah.

Though his first article was a success, Griffith said he knew there was more that he could do with his writing than just tell a news story.

"I was told by one of the writers that my style was more of an editorial type of writing," Griffith said. "But I was told that I couldn't write editorials until I wrote enough general news stories. So I continued to write news stories."

After a few news articles, Griffith was finally given the chance to write an editorial and they were a success. Many students said they were thoughtful and filled with great sincerity.

Griffith eventually went on to become the Opinions editor in the fall of 2001.

Since the fall of 2001 Griffith has graced Southern with his honest and philosophical opinions which are published biweekly in the Digest. Numerous readers said they enjoy his rational way of thinking and interpreting a story in the form of writing.

"I love A.J.'s style of writing," said Olyyhia Essien, a junior apparel merchandise major from Seattle. "I love his stories because they each have a deep message embedded within them."

Others said his editorials act as a mouthpiece for those who are too reticent to speak up for themselves.

"Practically everything A.J. writes is what I feel," said Shree Bostick, a sophomore English major from Atlanta. "In his writings he is saying everything that I want to say but can't. I am thankful for each and every one of the articles that he has written."

Though Griffith has received many praises for his viewpoints, he has received the same amount of criticisms. Nonetheless, he said he is not apologetic for anything that he has ever written.

"When I write, I just write," he said. "I just have the need to keep it real."

"I write as if no one is going to read what I have written," Griffith said. "It's like I'm writing in my diary, but it's a diary that thousands of people are going to read. I don't have any regrets, because I'm writing in my diary."

Griffith graduates December 8, with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in secondary education. After he receives his degree he said he will be employed as an English teacher at Glen Oaks Middle School in Baton Rouge.

There he plans to utilize the skills that he has obtained from Southern, in his teaching methods.

"I am going to make reading and writing fun and interesting for the children, because many of them don't like to do either one," Griffith said. "I will take what I've learned from being at Southern and apply it to my classroom."

Teachers, administrators and faculty are excited about how much Griffith has grown during his time at Southern.

"He's a true credit of what a young black man should be," said Derick Hackett, director of Student Media at Southern and faculty advisor of the Southern DIGEST. "He's always been respectful, professional and dedicated to achieving his goals, and one of his goals was to achieve his degree from Southern."

Hackett also said, "Reading his writings and seeing him grow and develop as a person and as a young man, (It) really makes me proud to see him achieve his goals, and graduate from the university."

"I wish him all of the best in the world and whatever he does I know he'll go out and represent himself and Southern very proudly," Hackett said.

Though his absence from the Digest staff will be evident, Griffith said he will never forget what he gained from going to Southern and being a part of the Digest staff.

"I don't have any regrets about coming to Southern or joining the Digest," he said. "Southern opened up a whole new world for me. I got the chance to grow a whole lot."

"I didn't know who I was before I came here," Griffith said, " I am thankful for a lot of the people that I have met. A lot of the teachers pushed me, and didn't let me be lazy. I really had to work. My classmates motivated me. Anyone that I've ever taken a class with pushed me to work harder."

Griffith concluded, "From working with the paper I got a chance to grow and discover my strengths and weaknesses. I discovered that writing is not a hobby of mine, it is my passion. I am going to keep writing and sharpening my craft. No matter where I am, I am going to keep writing no matter what."

A "Songbird's" Lust

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Lust is normally an emotion that a person hides to oneself. But sometimes there are other influences humming naughty whispers in your ears, like that of a “Songbird”.

Independent Recording Artist Maya Songbird takes an eager, passionate, and especially sinful desire for the indulgence of sexual obsession, and gives the world her “Lust”- the music video.

San Francisco native, Songbird includes her city’s personality, smoking a cigarette in a bar, while adding bold flair along with half blonde streaked and black hair.

The video instantly captures raw eroticism that slips from her lips into soulful, electric-pop, and punk-funk song. Her striking dark brown eyes are radiant and hint shameless yet sensual, energy stemming from the humbleness embedded within her soul. The chocolate sweetness of her skin creates a delicious trail of beauty encircling her entire being with each flashing color of light.

However, this Songbird’s voice is what will make the viewer stop and look beyond her exterior charm.

With puzzling ease, her mesmeric chorus will pull you in, “I lust for you even in my darkest hours…I long for you… ‘specially when I’m taking showers…I think I’m going crazy. I think I’ve lost my mind…Somebody tell me how to stop…”

“You know you have a hit song when you can’t get the chorus out of your head,” said Songbird’s manager, Alicia Johnson.

“Lust”- the song will have a person fantasizing ‘til the point of insanity. But the music video is the icing that makes suppressing sin no longer an option.

Besides, “Lust is not a crime its a sin,” said Songbird. "Lust on."

Check out Maya Songbird’s Soundcloud for remixes

http://soundcloud.com/mayasongbird/tracks

Check out my, “DEEJAY SPRINKLES” personal Dupstep Hip Hop remix entitled, MAYA LUST ME HARDER

http://soundcloud.com/rootsinconcrete/mayalustmeharder

Taken from her official press release:

Maya Songbird’s full length album, “Castro Kid” is scheduled for release in January of 2012. It pays homage to San Francisco’s historical gay community and long established dance scene—it is a story about revolution.

Check out the single “Lust”, available on iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/maya-songbird/id451063253?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

For media inquiries and bookings please contact Alicia Johnson, Phase II Management, at phasetwomanagement@gmail.com.